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Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 star property
Historic hotel in Seward with free parking

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Photo gallery for Van Gilder Hotel

Lobby
Reception
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Reception
Restaurant

Reviews

6.2 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK, 99664
  • Place, Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Seward Waterfront Park
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Alaska SeaLife Center
    ‪4 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 1 Queen - Shared Bath

1 Queen - Shared Bath | Bathroom sink

1 Queen - Shared Bath

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for One Queen & 1 Twin

Free WiFi, bed sheets

One Queen & 1 Twin

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for 2 Full Beds

2 Full Beds | Room amenity

2 Full Beds

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Annex 1 Queen Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Annex 1 Queen Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment Annex

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Annex

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Double Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Seward

Van Gilder Hotel places you next to Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum. This 20-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and concierge services.

What's nearby

  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Seward Community Library & Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Seward Waterfront Park - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Alaska SeaLife Center - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Seward Boat Harbor - 1 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Kenai, AK (ENA-Kenai Municipal) - 139 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Cookery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Firebrand BBQ - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Breeze Inn Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Ray's Waterfront - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Highliner Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Van Gilder Hotel

Historic hotel in Seward with free parking
Guests of Van Gilder Hotel enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. There's free parking and a free area shuttle. Front-desk staff can assist with concierge services and luggage storage. Other amenities at this historic hotel include a library and express check-out.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Free toiletries are also included. Change of towels is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free area shuttle up to 25 yds
  • Free bus station shuttle
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Library
  • Shopping mall

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • In the mountains

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1916
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between September 10 and May 14.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Van Gilder
Van Gilder Hotel
Van Gilder Hotel Seward
Van Gilder Seward
Van Gilder Hotel Hotel
Van Gilder Hotel Seward
Van Gilder Hotel Hotel Seward

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near Van Gilder Hotel?

This hotel is located in Seward, just steps from Chugach Heritage Center and Seward Community Library & Museum, and within a short walk of Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. You'll also find Alaska SeaLife Center and Seward Waterfront Park less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Van Gilder Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have a casino?

No, Van Gilder Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Van Gilder Hotel good for couples?

At this historic hotel, couples will appreciate amenities like a shopping mall and concierge services plus some guestrooms include kitchens.

Are there hot tubs at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Van Gilder Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Van Gilder Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Van Gilder Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Van Gilder Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Does Van Gilder Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Van Gilder Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Van Gilder Hotel.

Reviews

Van Gilder Hotel Reviews

6.2

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

5.4/10

Amenities

5.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 100 out of 522 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 121 out of 522 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 522 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 88 out of 522 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 104 out of 522 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Danielle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raj

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Erin, San DIego

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Property was run down outside, the inside was clean with a comfortable bed but tvs didn’t work and room was way overpriced.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don’t stay here

The staff wouldn’t answer the emergency line they gave me if there were any problems. The window wouldn’t lock and it was next to the sketchy alley and it was moldy!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kelsi

Disliked: Staff & service

The Haunted Hotel

The Van Gilder gave me spooky Haunted vibes but I thought it was great as an experience because of the hauntedness. It would have been better if I was able to check in early and check out later so I didn’t have to carry my bags around Seward. Overall conveniently located lower end of town. Very close walk to waters edge, aquarium, coffee shop and other restaurants and stores. Also the Free Shuttle stop #9 is just outside and across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Christine

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Hotel is old and historic and has a lot of potential. The room we were assigned initially was a two bedroom suite with a shared bath, however, the set up was strange and the shared bath was a sink in one bed room and a toilet and shower in the other bedroom, not a good set up when traveling with 4 adults. Sash, the reception lady was very nice and moved our rooms. The new rooms were cozy but the tv was mounted behind the bed, so you really couldn’t watch tv if you were lying in bed. We loved the history of the hotel and the location, but not sure we would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Shantel

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Richard, WARMINSTER

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
liked interior decor. very historic. outside looked like it was decaying at places. no elevator and no breakfast. the lock on the door at our room was very hard to open with the key.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Derek

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel is dated with part of the charm being haunted for those into that. My wife didn't like the haunted part and we both would have appreciated things more maintained. The location was awesome, with walking access to the best restaurants and water.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the historical memorabilia and stories as well as the friendly atmosphere.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David

Business traveler

Van Gilder Hotel

The place is a little run down but our stay was fine. Love the architecture, quiet and in the center of town an easy walk to everything. If you want a 5 star hotel this isnt for you but my wife and I liked it a lot. If we ever come back to Seward will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Hotel is a bit rough around the edges but very convenient and a fair value for the money. I was intrigued by the history and happy to find the free shuttle bus stop right across the street. The hostess was lovely and very helpful even loaning me her raincoat for the evening. I would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Tolerable

One night stay. The van gilder is an old hotel. It is registered on the national historic register and it's possible they've done little to improve things since achieving that feat. The bed was tolerable, but the shower needs help. It was either hotbor cold.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Juliane

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
We love the Van Gilder. It is an historic building and therefore has some physical shortcomings but it makes up for it in customer service and location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An old hotel with an enormous amount of charm. It was very clean and the shower was great! The bed was wonderful and I had a perfect night sleep. Yes it’s old and the floors creaked. You would too if you were over 100 years old!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Nikhil, FREMONT

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ok for a haunted hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Tammy, Tuttle

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The only place I can say was at least the bed sheets were clean. There is no ac so the window was open when we first got into our room and there was a crazy hallowing noise coming from a crack in the wall.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The decor at the location was amazing. Feels like you're in the early 20th century.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lisa, Scottsdale

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The property was conveniently located in the middle of town and I could walk to most everything I wanted to do. It was not in great condition. The staff was very nice/polite. I took pictures but I don't see an option to share here. Sorry to say I wouldn't recommend due to the condition of the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The Van Gilder was a great historic place. But . . . when you stay at historic, keep in mind it's older. We enjoyed our "suite" however being on the 3rd floor allowed us the opportunity to get in our exercise whether we wanted it or not. There was no AC, but the desk hostess provided us with a fan. If you want an experience/adventure at a reasonable cost, this is your place!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Historic hotel in need of major renovation

Van Gilder hotel is an historic hotel very old but in need of major renovations from the exterior the front steps were broken concrete and they were not accessible by any ADA standard outside building was a flaking paint and just terrible . The hotel lacked an elevator and we were on the third story and so we had to walk up and carry up all our luggage not very good.. The room was relatively small one small queen bed and bathroom in the room unfortunately the television was in the wrong location. It was 8 feet up in the air and it was at the head head of the bed so if you wanted to watch TV you had to lay in bed facing the wrong way where your feet would be the hotel doesn’t have any air-conditioning and unfortunately, the windows do not have any screens so if you left the windows open, it’s a good chance you come back in your room would be full of flying bugs. Bathroom was acceptable, shower, toilet, etc. that was OK down in front lobby. They had availability of coffee and a small countertop ice machine in the room with the big bear very Alaskan overall hotel might be a great location if and when it ever gets fixed up if not probably it should be a disclaimer that it is not ADA friendly that people who need or unable to climb, massive stairs and hump luggage up should stay away
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

shengzhong

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Old building, noise everywhere, very hot in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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